Burma Motorcycle Adventure

Burma has only recently opened its borders to allow tourists to visit this magical land. We have secured the necessary government permissions, permits and guides to allow us to ride in this very secretive country. Join us and become one of the first to ride an adventure bike in Burma! We'll ride in from Northern Thailand (it is impossible to find decent machinery in Myanmar) and see as much of this incredible country as is currently possible! This will be a real adventure ride and the first of its kind so expect the unexpected!

"This is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about." - Rudyard Kipling

A fully supported cultural tour with 14 nights accommodation and 12 days riding modern adventure bikes. All accommodation, transfers, meals, bike, fuel, expert guides, permits and a full support crew included. Maximum 14 riders. Price based on twin share accommodation. Single supplement available on request.

Flight inclusive packages also available and fully protected - please contact the office for more details.

Book your place now with just a £500 deposit.

Day 1 - Depart London

Day 2 - Arrival Day: Arrival in Thailand
Touch down in Chiang Mai, the cultural centre of Thailand’s rugged north. The team will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel and then we’ll spend the evening sampling the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife that Chiang Mai has to offer.

Day 3 - Acclimatisation Day: Chiang Mai
The entire day is yours to spend as you wish in and around Chiang Mai. Sometimes called the rose of the North, Chiang Mai is in TripAdvisor’s list of "25 Best Destinations in the World". You won’t find yourself short of things to do whether it be culture, adventure, sightseeing or just relaxing, Chiang Mai has it all in abundance. Tonight we'll dine in one of the best restaurants in town.

Day 4 - Chiang Mai to Hpa-an
We depart our hotel in Chiang Mai around 6.00am and our top priority is the border crossing from the Thai town of Mae Sot to Myawaddy in Myanmar, where we expect to arrive about 1pm. Border crossings in this part of the world can sometimes be very time consuming. However, our experienced and efficient team will be on hand to make sure the process is as quick and simple as possible.

Day 5 - Hpa-An – Kyaiktiyo
We kick off today with a lovely, pleasant ride filled with shallow, sweeping bends through the countryside as we leave Hpa-An and catch our first true glimpse of the mysterious country that awaits us. On only our second afternoon we are treated to one of the cultural highlights of the tour. The historic Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also known as the Golden Rock) sits atop a large rock, covered in golden leaves which somehow manages to balance on the top of Mount Kkaiktiyo. An unorthodox and very memorable shuttle service to the rock will surely stick in the memory for years to come!

Day 6 – Kyaiktiyo to Naypyidaw
Today is perhaps one of the most “interesting” days of the tour as we visit the brand new capital of Naypyidaw. The new capital boasts a huge 8 lane highway which like most of the city, is largely deserted. The rigid layout of the city is characterised by zonal segregation, with most of the residents also segregated into groups determined by their respective government jobs. For reasons unbeknown to most, the military leadership recently moved the capital from Yangon to this purpose built location at Naypyidaw. Locals believe this decision was influenced by an astrologist, while some foreigners believe the reason was paranoia of foreign invasion or perhaps more likely, regime change. Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain; none of us are likely to have visited a city quite like it in the past, or expect to do so in the future!

Day 7 – Naypyidaw to Inle Lake
After an intriguing look at the new capital, it’s back to what we like to do best here at TBAC: Great riding!

Day 8 – Rest Day at Inle Lake
After an enthralling mix of exploration and great riding, we take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day at Inle Lake. The lake is home to several freshwater species found nowhere else on the planet, as well as migratory birdlife which visit the lake during the winter months. The local human population are known as the Intha people, they are largely self sufficient farmers who employ extraordinary techniques of both rowing and agriculture. Our local Burmese tour guide who actually hails from this area and speaks the local dialect will take you on a pleasant day out which includes visits to the local attractions, a unique boat and a traditional lunch on the lake. This evening offers an enticing choice of traditional cuisine, sourced from the rather unusual methods of the local people, as well as western alternatives.

Day 9 - Inle Lake - Bagan
After a refreshing day at the lake, we aim to carry on where we left off with some more stunning riding through the Shan Mountains and up onto the Shan Plateau. The characteristically narrow and rarely used roads of the Shan State offer a welcome change to the now relatively touristy lake, as we head back into the wilderness of this remote land. Today we journey to one of the most spectacular destinations on the tour. Steeped in history, Bagan is now a UNESCO world heritage site due to what could easily be mistaken for a nation of temples. The historic religious relics once covered the central plains of Myanmar and roughly one fifth still survive today.

Day 10 - Rest Day at Bagan
Bagan was once the capital of the Pagan Empire which along with the Khymer Empire, was a major force in this part of the world during the middle ages. Today offers the opportunity to explore this ancient site either on foot or by hot air balloon and take a journey back in time, followed by a fabulous sunset at the beautiful Shwesandaw Pagoda.

Day 11 – Bagan - Ann
Today is a day of stark contrast as we leave the flat plains and ancient pagodas of Bagan and embark on an exhilarating ascent through what can seem to be a never ending mountain range, on some of the most twisty and exciting roads you could ever wish to experience on a motorcycle. Our destination this evening is the personification of tranquility. The town of Ann is located near the west coast and is very traditional. A land caught in history, the people here live simple lives, growing what crops they can and managing to raise limited livestock as much as the harsh mountain landscape permits.

Day 12 – Ann - Gwa
This morning offers a more relaxing option than the previous day as we trade the intensity of the twisty mountain passes for the smooth coastal roads that lead to Ngapali Beach. On route to the white sand we pass through a series of beautiful landscapes and traditional villages and observe the locals going about their daily lives. We aim to arrive around midday for a relaxing lunch break overlooking the sea. We depart the white sands of Ngapali and embark on a truly great afternoon. Many have heard of the Bay of Bengal but far fewer can say they have ridden the coastal roads that overlook the largest bay in the world. An unforgettable experience which will be engrained deep in the memory for years to come. The mountains are certainly filled with adrenalin and excitement but today’s ride offers a different pleasure altogether in the form of a serene coastal ride. Perhaps the greatest dilemma is deciding which way to look when faced with the expanse of rugged mountains to the left and smooth ocean to the right. After the beautiful views of the day, our overnight stop in the quiet town of Gwa offers the opportunity to experience a truly natural coastal environment. This is probably the most basic accommodation of the trip, but with that simplicity comes a beautiful private beach with not a soul in sight.

Day 13 – Gwa – Bago
After the previous day’s relaxing coastal ride, today we launch straight back into the intensity of the narrow mountain roads. Today is a combination of challenging and exciting riding in the morning and a cultural experience in the old city of Bago in the afternoon.

Day 14 – Bago - Myawaddy
Our penultimate day offers the opportunity for a bit of a lie in as we aim for a 9.30 departure and sees us head north east out of Bago through the central plains of Myanmar and across the Sittang River, into the Mon State. Lunch is taken here, before we cross into the Kayin state and head for our final Myanmar stop in the small city of Hpa An.

Day 15 - Myawaddy - Chiang Mai
Our first priority as on the first day, is getting back across the border where our team will be again on hand to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. With the wonderful experience of Myanmar in our mirrors it’s all eyes forward as we surge on through one last stretch of exhilarating mountain twisties. After the tight narrow roads of Myanmar, the sweet smooth tarmac of northern Thailand is a feeling to relish as we take the opportunity to open up the throttle and head for Chiang Mai.

Day 16 - Depart Chiang Mai

Please note: Due to nature of adventure travel the itinerary can be subject to change at short notice.

"An astonishingly good trip with some brilliant fellow riders. The roads! The landscapes! The history and culture. The pure spirit of adventure. But above all else; the wonderful, welcoming people, absolutely everywhere we had the good fortune to visit. Burma, you have stolen a piece of my heart. Thanks for the ride." - Matt Spencer

"This was a fantastic trip to a wonderful country with a great group of like minded folk. Highly recommended!" - David Hicks

"The Burmese people are so warm and welcoming. It was a pleasure and a privilege to ride with such accomplished leaders and riders, a truly amazing experience" - Julie Hunter

"A diverse group of people brought together by a great tour leader and tour guide to make a great trip. Thank you Big Adventure Company!" - Don Leigh

"The best motorcycle trip I have done, and I've done a few!" - Andrew Wood